2017 VW Golf R, e-Golf, GTE Plug-in Hybrid – Video
If you love the Golf GTI but crave more power, check out the Golf R—it, too, is a 10Best winner. The R is an all-out performance model with a 292-hp turbo 2.0-liter four, all-wheel drive, a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic with launch control is optional. In our testing, the automatic was faster to 60 mph than the manual by 0.7 second. Standard features include satellite radio, heated seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and Bluetooth.
Inheriting the excellence of its gas-powered sibling, the e-Golf zaps its way through a growing field of affordable EVs. The e-Golf utilizes a 134-hp 100-kWh electric motor powered by a 35.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The EPA estimates 125 miles of range on a single charge; fuel economy is rated at a combined 119 MPGe. An onboard charger is standard equipment. Novel packaging of the battery components avoids reducing passenger space; options include automated emergency braking and parking assist.
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf (GTE) features gesture control for the first time in the compact-car segment. Infotainment systems have been redesigned and fitted with larger touchscreens (9.2-inch). Another new feature is semi-automated driving up to 60 km/h with Traffic Jam Assist. Full LED headlamps are now standard.
Advance sales of the 2017 model year Golf will start at the beginning of December. Previous generations sold more than 33 million.
The new Volkswagen Golf GTE is equipped with a 1.4-litre TSI gasoline engine, which produces 110 kW/150 PS, a 75 kW/102 PS electric motor and a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox especially developed for hybrid models. Total system power is 204 PS, while maximum torque of 350 Newton meters. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.6 seconds.
More technical details (like battery capacity and all-electric range) are expected to be announced later. There’s still no word on whether on not the GTE will be sold in the U.S., but e-Golf definitely will, just like it has been in the past.